How an Information Center Improved Productivity

Article Abstract:

Many organizations face considerable project backlog in their data processing departments. Managers in departments who have been frustrated by the backlog have often purchased microcomputers and have bypassed the management information systems (MIS) altogether. While there may be advantages, there are some easily overlooked disadvantages including control of data duplication, high organization-wide expense and lack of hardware compatibility. Rayovac claims achievements in productivity by combining the concepts of a data processing department and microprocessors into an information center concept. The center uses the main computer coupled with user-friendly languages, but combines it with the business knowledge and data from the other parts of the organization. Software is chosen together. Control, then, is maintained by the center. The commitment from the client is essential for success, as well as commitment from MIS. At Rayovac, more than 300 systems are run in the information center environment. Productivity has increased, in some cases, from twelve man-hours to one-half man hour to prepare some spreadsheets. Morale of employees and interest in the computer have increased as well. Programming languages used are APL, ADRS, BASIC, SAS and SAS-GRAPHICS. Training of personnel with no prior experience is often twelve hours to develop and program a simple spreadsheet. Use is expanding beyond accounting and finance into other parts of the organization. Improved rapport between departments is a side benefit.

Improvements (Law)

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Management Support Systems: Opportunity for Controllers

Article Abstract:

Technological change with the development of Management information systems (MIS) and Management support systems (MSS) ha s redefined the controller's job from reporter to interpreter to planning. MSS are used in situations when a problem is not completely quantified and highly structured. Two prime examples of the use of MSS are management of a turnaround in a company and setting a production schedule. With MSS, a controller could be in the position of planning a business future as he can work with management to predict the consequences of a given decision, under differing variable conditions. The MSS model is developed on that of the critical success factors technique whereby primary objectives, specific factors and finally measurements are determined. Developing a system presents a possible risk of being too expensive and too time-consuming thereby slow-to-respond. To prevent this the controller must work with a minimum viable prototype.

Planning, Business, Innovations

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Controllers vs. MIS managers: who should control corporate information systems?

Article Abstract:

Controllers who do not utilize computers to generate financial reports and statements may find that this job has been transferred to the management information systems manager. The controller who does take advantage of user-friendly technology may gain the chance to assume major decision-making and corporate planning functions. Software packages that allow graphics portrayal of comparative data and variances cost less than $1,000.

Evaluation, Finance, Technology application, Corporations, Corporate finance, Financial statements, Corporation reports, Company reports

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